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Recovered members of Alcoholics Anonymous discuss Living AA as a Way of Life. Freedom, Humor, Experience!

Shank and Wayne


    • Jun 23, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 56m AVG DURATION
    • 192 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Alcoholics Alive!

    Do Meetings Still Point To The Program?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 40:44


    S15E6 Shank and Wayne discuss whether meetings point alcoholics to the program or something else? In Meeting Shrapnel they look at "The second mouse gets the cheese", "If you spot it, you got it" and "Normal is a setting on a washing machine". If you have a comment, suggestion or question you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Group Conscience or Group Politics?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 54:51


    S15E5 Shank and Wayne discuss the sacred Group Conscience.  In Meeting Shrapnel they explore "The Group Conscience has spoken", "That's not how we do it here" and "Trust the Process".  If you have a question, comment or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    The Sponsor Problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 56:16


    S15E4 Shank and Wayne discuss myths about Sponsorship in AA.  Meeting Shrapnel dives into "Call your sponsor everyday", "I have a sponsor who has a sponsor who has a sponsor" and "Get a sponsor, a home group and a service committment".  If you have a comment, suggestion or question you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Fellowship Myths That Won't Die

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 54:32


    S15E3 Shank and Wayne discuss many of the myths heard and believed in AA. Meeting Shrapnel takes a look at "I didn't want to modify my drinking, I wanted to modify my consequences", "I came for my drinking but stayed for my thinking" and "The person who discovered water wasn't a fish." If you have a comment, question or suggestion you can email Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Conference Approved...So Now What?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2026 54:02


    S15E2 What does Conference Approved really mean and does it have Spiritual Authority in AA?  Meeting Shrapnel includes "I'd rather sit here thinking about having a drink than being drunk thinking about being sober", "Stick with the winners" and "KCB (keep coming back)". Send questions, comments or suggestions to freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    AA or Recovery Culture?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 64:03


    S15E1 Is it Alcoholics Anonymous or Recovery Culture?  Shank and Wayne discuss the difference in the Season 15 opener.  In Meeting Shrapnel they look at some AA favorites "Meeting Makers Make It", "Take What You Want And Leave The Rest" and "Feelings Aren't Facts". If you have a comment, suggestion or question you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Special Episode: What Came Out of the 76th General Service Conference

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2026 61:27


    Before kicking off Season 15, we wanted to release this special episode on the results of the 76th General Service Conference. In this episode, we review what happened, what became Advisory Actions, and a few of the decisions and themes that stood out to us. This is not a full conference report, but a short look at the some outcomes and what they may mean going forward.  Its concluded by a rapid fire Meeting Shrapnel round.  Send suggestions, comments and questions to freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Too Much Business - Not Enough Message

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2026 59:55


    S14E13 Shank and Wayne reflect on Season 14 and the items on the 76th GSC Agenda.  In Meeting Shrapnel they discuss "T.R.U.S.T - Try really using Step 3", "W.A.I.T. - Why am I talking" and "AA is a lifeboat, not a houseboat".  You can email Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Inventory Aftermath

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 52:51


    S14E12 Shank and Wayne discuss Archives, International Conventions/Regional Forums, and Inventory Implementation.  In Meeting Shrapnel they review "I didn't come into AA to learn how to be happy, I came into AA to learn how to be unhappy", "P.A.U.S.E. Prolong Action Until Serenity Comes" and "If I don't change my sobriety date will". Email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Who Leads, Who Decides, Who Gets Trusted?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 50:09


    S14E11 Shank and Wayne review some of the Trustees agends items for the GSC in New York.  In Meeting Shrapnel they discuss "Your higher power will move mountains for you...but don't be surprised if you wake up next to a shovel", "We are not a glum lot" and "Bumper sticker AA is not a substitute for working the steps".  You can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Bridging the Gap, Removing Barriers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2026 51:28


    S14E10 Shank and Wayne reveiw the Treatment and Accessibilities agenda items for the upcoming General Service Conference in New York.  In Meeting Shrapnel they discuss "Alcoholics are bad at math. We try to solve all our problems at one time, instead of one at a time", Non-alcoholic beer is for non-alcoholics" and "If I'm not the problem, then I'm not the solution". Send comments, questions or suggestion to freedom@alcohlicsalive.com 

    How AA Governs Itself

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 49:04


    S14E9 Shank and Wayne review the Policy and Admission and Report and Charter items for the upcoming GSC. In Meeting Shrapnel they discuss "Alcoholic Addict", "Maybe you need to do some more research" and "I have a sponsor who has a sponsor who has a sponsor". If you have a comment, suggestion or question you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Can AA Be Seen Without Being Promotional

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 66:24


    S14E8 Shank and Wayne discuss the Public Information items for the upcoming General Service Conference.  In Meeting Shrapnel they look at P.R.I.D.E "Primary Reason I Die Early", "Meetings are my medicine" and "Just because your in a garage doesn't mean you're a car" If you have a suggestion, comment or question you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Literature at the Crossroads

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 53:21


    S14E7 Shank and Wayne discuss the Literature Agenda Items for the upcoming GSC. In Meeting Shrapnel they discuss "You can only coast downhill", "I woke up this morning with a clear head, in a dry bed" and "You can't be hateful and grateful at the same time". If you have a suggestion, comment or question you can email Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Grapevine: Tool, Money Pit or Both?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2026 66:32


    S14E6 Shank and Wayne look at the Grapevine agenda items for the upcoming General Service Conference. In Meeting Shrapnel they discuss "Seven days without a meeting makes one WEAK", "There's one thing your going to have to change. Everything" and "No matter how deep of a hole you've dug for yourself, it only takes 12 steps to get out". If you have a question, comment or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    The Basket, the Reserve and the Workbook

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 51:59


    S14E5 Shank and Wayne discuss the Finance Items for the upcoming General Service Conference. In Meeting Shrapnel they look at "I've got good news and bad news. The good news is our steps are suggestive only, the bad news is we have no other suggestions", "If'n yer lookin' to get laid in AA, the odds are good... but then again the goods are odd." and "If you got one foot in yesterday and one in foot in tomorrow, you're peeing on today". If you have a comment, suggestion or question you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Behind the Walls, Beyond the Page

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 56:03


    S14E4 Shank and Wayne review the Corrections Agenda Items for the 76th General Service Conference.  In Meeting Shrapnel they discuss "Treat em and Street em", "Unless you have screwed a moose on the moon, you are not as unique as you think you are!" and "I don't know about you but I'm here to stay sober". You can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Can AA Explain Itself Clearly?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 60:44


    S14E3 Shank and Wayne discuss the Cooperation with the Professional Community Agenda items.  In Meeting Shrapnel they discuss "GIFT - God Is Forever There", "I don't always take inventory but when i do its yours" and “Is he/she one of us?”. If you have a comment, suggestion or question you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Voice, Process and Participation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 57:27


    S14E2 Shank and Wayne discuss the Agenda Committee items for the upcoming General Service Conference.  In meeting shrapnel they look at "You can't think of someone else and yourself at the same time", "You can start your day over at any time" and "YAY GOD".  If you have a question, comment of suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Strain and Suport in AA Service

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 54:19


    S14E1 Shank and Wayne discuss some financial and grapevine issues from the recent GS Board Meeting.  In Meeting Shrapnel they discuss "Change is a process and an event", "Progress not Perfection" and "Sobriety isn't owned its rented". If you have a comment, question or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Chip Culture in AA

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 69:03


    S13E13 In the Season 13 wrap up Shank and Wayne discuss the orgin and history of giving out chips at AA meetings. They also look at if there helpful, harmful, necessary or a waste of time. Is there Chip Culture in AA? If you have a comment, question or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    John C.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 55:30


    S13E12 John C. tells his story.  In Chip Shrapnel they discuss "This is the most important chip - because without this one, you never get another one", "The banana chip for six months, you're in the right bunch" and "Silver token- Made from recycled beer cans". If you have a suggestion, comment or question you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Eric B.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 45:17


    S13E11 Eric B. tells his story.  In Chip Shrapnel, Shank and Wayne discuss "The grass is starting to grow between your house and the liquor store", "Got a green light to continue on" and "Starting to get a little green in your pocket".  If you have a question, comment or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Lori L.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 45:56


    S13E10 Lori L. tells her story.  In Chip Shrapnel they discuss classics like "If you were out there nipping while we were in here chipping, come get a clean white chip", "Yellow chip, this is called the urine chip, cause your in the right place" and "The judge said 90 days".  If you have a comment, suggestion or question you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Lisa S.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 45:04


    S13E9 Lisa S. tells her story.  In Chip Shrapnel they discuss "If your tired of the high cost of low living", "The butterscotch chip for 60 days, life's getting pretty sweet" and "Anyone got 18 months? (That's 1.5 years for the drug addicts) If you have a suggestion, question or comment you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Tate W.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 48:53


    S13E8 Tate W. tells his story.  In Chip Shrapnel Shank and Wayne discuss "Chips aren't rewards or awards but they'll keep you out of the psych ward", "Now its time for the heavy metal" and "The garnet chip for 30 days and what feels like 3000 nights.  If you have a question, comment or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Vikki D.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 38:20


    S13E7 Vikki D. tells her story. In Chip Shrapnel they discuss "If you slip, don't slide. Just come back and get another chip", "If you're feeling too high or too shy, you can come get one from me after the meetig", "The brown chip for a shi**y attitude". If you have a suggestion, question or comment you can email Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Alex P.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 51:23


    S13E6 Alex P. tells his story.  In Chip Shrapnel, Shank and Wayne discuss "We're not rewarding you for being good, we're celebrating that you didn't die", "Red chip for 90 days blood and guts", and "Green chip for 9 months you're pregnant with the program". If you have a question, comment or suggestion you can email Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicalive.com 

    Nancy H.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 51:17


    S13E5 Nancy H. tells her story. Chip Shrapnel dives into "We don't stay sober from chip to chip, we stay sober day to day - but it's fun to celebrate", "Gold chip - your future's already brighter than your past" and "Purple chip - royalty now; we knight you a trusted servant". If you have a comment, suggestion or question you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Ravi S.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 41:00


    S13E4 Ravi S. tells his story. In Chip Shrapnel they discuss "You've gone from "I'm not sure" to "maybe this thing does work", "Ninety days - now we stop clapping and start handing you service positions" and "Six months - congratulations, you've survived the pink cloud, the gray funk, and a few holidays".  Contact Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Mike B.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2025 49:17


    S13E3 Mike B. tells his story.  In Chip Shrapnel they discuss "This chip is heavy - its full of all our hope for you", "Thirty days - welcome to the miracle club", and "Nine months - long enough to grow a baby, you've been growing a new life".  If you have a suggestion, comment or question you can email Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Bob S.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 45:17


    S13E2 Christmas letter to the AA membership from Bill Wilson in 1944. Bob S. from Charlotte NC tells his story.  Chip Shrapnel dives into "I am your Chipmunk tonight", "Give up the fight pick up a white" and Chips aren't rewards or awards but they will keep you out of the psych ward".  If you have a comment, suggestion or question you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    John M.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 57:20


    S13E1 John M. tells his story. In Chip Shrapnel they discuss "My name is...I'm your Alcoholic Chip Concierge", "If you want to join AA for the first time we offer the white chip" and "Silver Chip for 24 hours, made out of melted down handcuffs so we won't forget where we came from".  If you have a comment, question or suggetion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Living Sober

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 58:57


    S12E13 Shank and Wayne discuss what stuck and what didn't from Season 12 slogans.  The author of Living Sober, Barry L., shares his experience on Tradition 3 at the AA International Convention in 1985 held in Montreal Canada.  If you have a comment, suggestion or question you can email Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    You Can't Keep It Unless You Give It Away

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 46:14


    S12E12 Another AA classic slogan, "You can't keep it unless you give it away", is discussed. In Living Sober Shrapnel, Shank and Wayne look at "a clear head and a steady heart", "alcoholism is an extremely serious human condition" and "on the path of a happy, healthy destiny".   Email all comments, suggestions or question to freedom@alcholicsalive.com 

    Stick With The Winners

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 50:27


    S12E11 Shank and Wayne discuss the classic AA statement "Stick With The Winners".  In Living Sober Shrapnel they review "living sober", "sick problem drinkers", "wrenches the bones" and "hope that makes the heart sing".  If you have a question, comment or suggestion you can email Alcholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Take The Cotton Out Of Your Ears And Put It In Your Mouth

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 39:31


    S12E10 Shank and Wayne discuss the old time saying "Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth." In Living Sober Shrapnel they discuss "the unvarnished facts", "an ailment characterized especially by egocentricity" and "an insincere gesture." If you have a question, comment or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    It Works If You Work It

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 44:51


    S12E9 One of the most popular statements in AA jargon is discussed by Shank and Wayne: "It works if you work it".  Living Sober Shrapnel includes "more misinformation than truth", "all your teeth wearing tiny sweaters" and "explore recovery ideas at great depth".

    Take What You Want And Leave the Rest

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 35:15


    S12E8 Shank and Wayne discuss the very popular AA statement: "Take what you want and leave the rest."  Living Sober Shrapnel includes "pathway to recovery", "booze-fighters" and "all comers".  Contact Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    My Best Thinking Got Me Here

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 36:08


    S12E7 Listen as Shank and Wayne discuss if "There Best Thinking Got Them Here".  In Living Sober Shrapnel they look at "When all else fails, Follow Directions", "hopless drunkards" and "the would be helper".  You can contact Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Keep Coming Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 49:40


    S12E6 Shank and Wayne discuss the very popular saying "Keep Coming Back". In Living Sober Shrapnel they take another look at the Investment Counsel Poem from page 81.  If you have a suggestion, comment or question email them to freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    My Sponsor Said...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 50:14


    S12E5 Shank and Wayne discuss the popular statement "My Sponsor Said...." In Living Sober Shrapnel they look at "online meetings available on the internet", "alcoholism is expensive" and "climb out of the hole". If you have a question, comment or suggestion you can email Alcholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Sit Down, Shut Up and Listen

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 59:35


    S12 E4 The popular statement "Sit down, shut up and listen" is examined by Shank and Wayne.  In Living Soberr Shrapnel they discuss "the sober years go by", "distance, or weather, or illness, or business, or guests, or being broke, or the hour, or anything else" and "canoe, camel, helicopter, jeep, truck, bicycle or sleigh". If you have a comment, suggestion or quetion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Fake It Till You Make It?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 39:22


    S12E3 Shank and Wayne discuss the popular statement "Fake it till you make it".  Living Sober Shrapnel discusses "AA Slogans", "applications of the AA program" and "king-size AA gatherings".  If you have a suggestion, comment or question you can email Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Don't Drink No Matter What??

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 46:35


    S12E2 Don't drink no matter what.  Shank and Wayne disuss this popular AA saying and if an alcoholic and actually do this.  In Living Sober Sharpnel they discuss "alcoholic or not", "Diversity of opinion" and "some contentment, peace of mind, solutions to problems, zest for living". If you have a comment, suggestion or question you can email Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Meeting Makers Make It

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 60:48


    S12E1 Do meeting makers really make it?  Shank and Wayne discuss this classic AA saying while comparing it to what the AA literature says.  In Living Sober Shrapnel they discuss "eyeball-to-eyeball sharing", "stay away from a swamp full of mosquitoes" and "recovered, happy, nondrinking alchoholics".  If you have a comment, question or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Bringing the Concepts Home - Season 11 Wrap Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 59:40


    S11E13 Shank and Wayne wrap up Season 11 with an overview of the 12 Concepts for World Service.  Living Sober Shrapnel discusses "addressed to special interest groups", "drunkards, bums, or fanatic, dried-up teetotalers" and "A.A is a reflection of the larger society around us." If you have a question, comment or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com. 

    Concept 12 - Spiritual Safeguards

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 54:21


    S11E12 Shank and Wayne discuss Concept 12 of World Services.  Living Sober Shrapnel takes a look at the "Big Book", "The Twelve Steps, guides to individual growth" and "courageous, once-hopeless former drunkards."  If you have a comment, question or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com  

    Concept 11 - Behind the Scenes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 50:26


    S11E11 Great discussion on Concept 11 of World Services.  In Living Sober Shrapnel, Shank and Wayne discuss "Getting wasted", "Alcohol is a drug" and "Wine, Women  and Song".  If you have a suggestion, comment or question you can contact Alcoholics Alive at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

    Concept 10 - Authority and Responsibility Go Hand in Hand

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 41:28


    S11 E10 Shank and Wayne discuss Concept X.  In Living Sober Shrapnel they ponder "face-to-face, confidential revelation", "leave, no matter what" and "days of wine and “Sweet Adeline”. If you have a comment, question or suggestion you can email Shank and Wanye at freedom@alcoholicalive.com

    Concept 9 - Leadership Matters

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 56:27


    S11 E9 Shank and Wayne discuss the importance of good leadership in Alcoholics Anonymous.  Living Sober Shrapnel explores "it is futile to bemoan that fact", "swilling a cola" and "necessary lubrication for the smooth operation of society". If you have a question, commment or suggestion you can email Shank and Wayne at freedom@alcoholicsalive.com 

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